In the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Macbeth's life was based on his free will. He was brought to ruins by his own greed, fear, and guilt. Therefore, these three characteristics Macbeth exhibits in the play show that his life was based on his free will.
The three wicked witches first inflame his greed. Their prophecy to Macbeth was that he will become Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland. Thus, when he is given the title of Thane of Cawdor he immediately begins to long for more power, exemplifying his greed. He soon realizes that in order to seize the throne from the king he will have to murder him. Through persuasion by Lady Macbeth, Macbeth decides to kill the king himself. This shows that Macbeth made the decision by himself to go along with Lady Macbeth. His greed for becoming the next king is the turning point of the chaos in his life he faces. He plots out the murders of those who seem to be in his path.
A second characteristic of Macbeth that demonstrates his free will is fear. .
When Macbeth realizes that he does not feel safe with Banquo, for "He hath a wisdom that doth guide his valour to act in safety and under him, me genius is rebuked." (Act III, Scene I), he immediately hires murderers to kill him and his son, Fleance. The fear of getting caught is in his mind. Another example of fear is portrayed when the guests have departed from the meeting about Duncan's death and Lady Macbeth and Macbeth have a conversation. He says to himself, "I am in blood, stepped in so far that returning were as tedious as go"er." (Act III Scene IV) He fears that "blood will have blood", meaning that sin will have its retribution. .
A final quality of Macbeth that shows that his life was based on free will was his guilt. At first, Macbeth sees a bloody dagger, he reaches out for it but nothing is there. This shows that his guilt has invaded his body and soul. Another prime example is when Macbeth committed the murder and with quilt replied to Lady Macbeth, "Twere best to not know myself.